Vanuatu Solar Eclipse

Early in the morning of November 14, 2012, Vanuatu will experience what is known as a partial solar eclipse. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the Moon covers the Sun only partly when seen from Earth. This phenomenon is visible when only the lunar penumbra (the partially shaded outer region of the Moon's shadow) touches the Earth. The extent of the eclipse varies depending on the observer’s location. Regardless of a viewer’s position however, the Sun is only partially eclipsed.

In Port Vila on November 14 the partial eclipse will begin and be observed, (weather permitting) at 6.49am. This is where the Moon will start to touch the Sun’s edge. The movement will continue until 7.52am where the Moon s closest to the Sun’s centre and the partial eclipse will be at its maximum. At 9.05am the Moon will leave the Sun’s edge and the partial eclipse will have ended.

Vanuatu Post advises it is dangerous to look directly at the Sun and advises observers to use special eye protection or indirect viewing techniques even when viewing a partial eclipse. The danger that a partial solar eclipse poses is simply that it may prompt people to gaze directly at the Sun - something they wouldn't normally do.